Triphala, the Ayurvedic Fruit Combination with Multiple Benefits

March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Triphala literally means three fruits. In Ayurveda, triphala has a wide range of applications. The three fruits are amalaki (Indian gooseberry, Emblica officinalis), vibhitaki (Belleric Myrobalan, terminalia belerica) and haritaki (chebulic myrobalan, Terminanlia chebula).

Triphala is a balanced combination of all the three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha. It contributes to the balance of the doshas. Amalaki for pitta, vibhitaka for kapha and haritaki for vata. Ama, the accumulation of waste products in the body is the major reason for many diseases and physical conditions. Triphala, when used as a mild laxative uses the properties of haritaki, the third fruit of triphala and associated with vata, will remove the malas or wastes from the body, immediately reliving from indigestion, constipation, cold, etc.

The main advantages associated with triphala are good digestion, colon cleaning, blood purification, radiant skin, mental alertness, better eyesight etc.

Triphala is usually a combination of equal parts of all the three fruits in powdered form. When treating diseases affecting specific dosha, one can use an increased quantity of the fruit related to that specific dosha. For example while treating vata related diseases, one can use an excess of haritaki.

Triphala is mentioned in many parts of ancient Ayurvedic scripts. They are used for different purposes like blood cleansing, and as a laxative. Triphala is taken alone or in combination with other medications for a range of diseases and conditions.

Triphala is highly priced and comes as a fine powder. Water, ghee, honey etc are common mixtures for triphala. It also forms a major component for a range of decotions, medicated oils and medicines. Triphala is a main component for rasayanas.

It is generally agreed that small doses (2 grams) can be taken for longer periods, while a high dose (10 to 15 grams) on a very short term. The high dose will act as a laxative and is safe for even children. The laxative is brought in by haritaki. Other two fruits – amalaki and vibhitaka – strengthen the digestive tract. Amalaki is the factor of triphala that strengthens eye and improves eyesight.

Triphala, when not part of other medicines can be taken with honey, milk, ghee or warm water. If the person is suffering from vata related condition, he/she can take it with two parts ghee and a part honey. If pitta, it is ghee only and for kapha related conditions, only honey is used. One can take warm water a few minutes after ingesting triphala.